Analyst makes encouraging claim about Lions' chances of NFC North repeat

The Detroit Lions won their first division title since 1993 last year, and they seem well-positioned to not have an extended drought anytime soon.

NFL.com's Judy Battista has rated every 2023 division champion from the most vulnerable to least vulnerable for this year, with some good news for Detroit.

Battista ranked the Lions as the third-least vulnerable division winner from 2023. The reason? Not only do the Lions have a good nucleus, but their division has some issues.

"The Lions are slightly less vulnerable simply because of their division and because of how far they went last season. The Bears and Vikings could both start rookie quarterbacks this season. The Packers looked ascendant with Jordan Love last season and will present the biggest threat to the Lions' supremacy. But the Lions have a Super Bowl-caliber offense -- with coordinator Ben Johnson returning -- and made big improvements to the defense, adding D.J. Reader to the defensive line during free agency and revamping their cornerback situation."

On the list, only the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs were seen as in a better spot in their divisions. The Packers feel like the biggest challengers to the Lions in the NFC North, but Detroit still rolls into the season with the better roster.

Detroit Lions' experience gives them shot to repeat as NFC North champions

Battista is correct in her assessment that the Lions could have an advantage to repeating thanks to their division. There doesn't seem to be a team properly and completely equipped to bump Detroit off the top of the NFC North this year.

The Minnesota Vikings are breaking in a new quarterback, and while they have talent on defense, there's going to be lingering questions about who is distributing the ball. Either it will be inconsistent veteran Sam Darnold or a rookie in J.J. McCarthy. The Chicago Bears will have the same situation with Caleb Williams. Neither roster is complete enough to overcome a hole at quarterback.

While the Green Bay Packers are seemingly ahead thanks to the elevated play of Jordan Love, the fact is, the Lions have had their number the last three seasons. The Packers have only beaten Detroit once in that span.

It's been rare to say the Lions are in great shape to have repeat success, but that's exactly where they find themselves for 2024.